‘Out of Sight’ Sheds Light on Mental Illness

“You wouldn’t deny a cancer patient treatment, so why are those with mental illnesses denied medicine and rehabilitation?”

This is just one of the powerful quotes from President Barack Obama as documented in the film “Out of Sight.”

The creators of the film, in collaboration ESU’s Dr. Linda VanMeter, premiered “Out of Sight” on campus to inform the public and change the negative rhetoric that is often associated with mental health, mental illness and the sometimes harsh realities of both.

“You are the generation that is going to change that way we think, feel and react to mental illness,” said Dr. VanMeter before the film.

“Out of Sight” is proof of her testimony.

The film was written, directed and produced by local teenagers and young people. Director, Kyle Maheny, sought inspiration for the movie from the environment around him. Having been personally affected by individuals who battled mental illness, Maheny and a group of like-minded friends built a team and dedicated themselves to educating others.

The documentary, which mainly consisted of survivor testimonials, shed a light on topics often considered taboo. The first hand experiences of those who battled with mental health exposed the realities that are too often true, but still ignored.

The most important topic the film emphasizes is prevention. Too often, prolonged mental illness spirals out of control.

When it comes to mental illness, cases are often overlooked in the early stages and result in devastating outcomes that traumatize families and leave homes broken. The importance of a film like “Out of Sight” is to educate everyone about how mental illness can affect them personally.

It’s time to stop the stigma and start the conversation.

It is important to understand what to do if you or a loved on shows signs of battles with mental illness. It is important to know the signs before they become too dangerous and it is most important to ask for help.